Letter from AID President

AID McHenry Expands and Thrives

“100 Women Who Care” Donation

AID Crisis Line Seeks Volunteers

AID Hosts Successful Benefit Auction

Successful AID “Giving Tuesday”

Aurora Township Referendum

Photos Around the Agency

AID Staff Receives “Shining Star” Award

Elgin Housing Authority Partnership

Memorials and Honorariums

Grants and Donations

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IN THIS ISSUE PAGE:

AID

AID Partners with Mariano’s for Flower DonationsIn early 2017, AID was approached by “Bloom-n-Toss” (BNT), a non-profit created over 7 years ago by Alexandra and Catherine Costello whose mission is to spread joy and happiness with flowers. To accomplish this mission, BNT connects supermarkets and floral retailers with local non-profits and retirement homes.

With the launch of a new Aurora AID STARS Recreation Program location, BNT made a coordinated effort to connect AID with the Aurora Mariano’s grocery store and provide flowers for AID STARS clients. “Working in retail you see a lot of waste.” said Bonita Blyth, Floral Manager for Mariano’s Aurora. “Sometimes my department receives more product than we can sell. Donating flowers to AID makes me smile because, although the flowers and plants are past their sell by date, there’s still life in them for others to enjoy and brighten up an individual’s day.”

LETTER FROM AID PRESIDENTHappy New Year! Here are a few of the many exciting things happening at AID:

Developmental Disabilities Community Living Services are dramatically expanding. Two new homes will soon open in both Aurora and Yorkville, and, thanks to a very generous donor, a third home will soon open in Batavia. Clients are very excited about their new homes! Families and staff are tirelessly working to ensure a smooth transition for clients. As several new affordable apartments become available in the New Year, AID clients and families seeking residential supports will be invited to explore this new Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) option.

AID continues to find innovative ways to enhance the quality of Day Services through increased community participation. A collaborative effort by Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), The Centre of Elgin and AID will help clients maximize community integration and participation. Community Employment continues to be the major focus of AID Day Services. We are always on the lookout for client job and volunteer opportunities.

Behavioral Health Services has also seen growth in 2017. The Aurora-based AID Community Support Team will open a second unit after the New Year which will serve the Elgin and McHenry communities. The Children and Family Outpatient program is preparing for a move from Aurora to North Aurora in February; allowing for expansion of both this and the Adult Outpatient and Substance Use program to reduce wait times.

Both Supported Living and Supervised Residential Services continue to grow in response to need throughout Kane, Kendall, McHenry and DeKalb counties. AID is collaborating with several tax credit partners to expand affordable apartment living opportunities with support services. Outpatient, Supported Living, Community Support Team and Law Enforcement Coordination services expanded in McHenry County, including a new location in Harvard. Thanks to grants from the McHenry Mental Health Board, AID provided Law Enforcement Coordination Services to Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Huntley and Woodstock Police Departments.

To date, we have successfully raised $2.2 million in support of the Capital Campaign. Members of the AID leadership team continue to meet with AID families and friends asking for increased volunteer and financial support to complete the campaign. #ILGIVE Giving Tuesday raised over $53,000, thank you to all that helped to make this possible.

Thanks once again to our employees, volunteers, friends, families and partners who help sustain this wonderful organization that supports more than 6,500 individuals each year. We simply could not do what we do without your continued commitment and generous spirit.

AID President, Lynn O’Shea

OUR MISSION: To empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purposeABOUT AID: AID is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves more than 6,500 individuals throughout DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, suburban Cook and Will counties. Programs are available for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities and those in need of behavioral health services or crisis intervention. AID is a United Way partner agency and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit our website: www.AIDcares.org

or call: Aurora area 630.966.4000 DeKalb area 630.966.4475 Elgin area 847.931.6200 McHenry area 847.931.2340 Sycamore area 630.966.4475 Yorkville area 630.966.4450 Crisis Line 630.966.9393

PAGE 2

2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOP ROW: Dr. Timothy Brown (Secretary), Chuck Miles, Matt Bretz,

Patrick Flaherty (Chairman), David De La Fuente, James Gould

BOTTOM ROW: Diana Law, Tanya Meyers, Inez Toledo, AID President Lynn O’Shea, Toni Vaughan*, Mary Duncan

NOT PICTURED: Clifford Klotz, Dr. John Knewitz*

Dan Lundberg (Treasurer), Dr. Melinda Tejada (Vice Chairman)

AID HOUSING BOARD

OFFICERS Walt Dwyer

Chairman, HUD

Dan LundbergChairman, CHDO

DIRECTORS Guy Czymrid

Karen Maki

Chuck Miles

Rick Poulton

John Potter

Carolyn Russell*Term ended in FY17

AID McHenry Services continue to Expand and ThriveIn many ways, McHenry County is new “territory” for AID. Over the past 15 months, McHenry services blossomed from the “Magnificent Seven” (initial staff) to 14 paid staff; most of whom are Master’s-level clinicians and two Master’s-level interns.

AID now provides Bilingual Outpatient Behavioral Services to over 500 unique individuals in three new locations in McHenry, Woodstock, and Harvard. AID will soon offer family-based counseling services to fill a gap identified by the McHenry Mental Health Board. The AID McHenry Supported Living Program, which opened a year ago, has offered care to over 78 clients and currently serves 54 residents with in-home, community and office services.

The AID McHenry psychiatric program offers care to 20 to 30 patients weekly through Tele-health (remote access to treatment) and face to face care. Tele-health allows AID to reach residents of the county who reside in more rural areas. The AID McHenry Drop-In Center offers complimentary recovery groups, discussions, activities and socialization for any county resident who has completed or is in the process of completing formal treatment. The future looks bright for AID McHenry and for clients receiving vital AID services.

PAGE 3

“100 Women Who Care” Give Funds for Vital AID Programs and ServicesIn August of 2017, The St. Charles, Illinois division of “100 Women Who Care” generously donated $6,000 to AID. Each member of the networking group of influential women contributes $100, four times a year, and vote on charities or non-profits which merit a financial donation.

AID will use this generous gift to fund vital, life-enriching services that promote the highest level of independence and community immersion for individuals with developmental, intellectual, behavioral and mental health challenges..

AID Crisis Line of the Fox Valley Seeks VolunteersDo you have great communication skills and enjoy helping people? The AID Crisis Line of the Fox Valley is seeking candidates to assist individuals who place calls to the crisis line. Volunteers provide assistance to persons with a wide variety of needs and concerns including depression, anxiety, loneliness and substance abuse.

AID also offers many other unique volunteer opportunities in Aurora, Elgin, Batavia and Yorkville including assisting with arts & crafts projects; teaching special classes such as cooking or basic computer skills; or coordinating community outings. The gift of time, talent and compassion can change a life. To apply to become a volunteer, visit

www.AIDcares.org and click on “Volunteer” under the “Support” tab or call AID Volunteer Coordinator Maureen at 630.966.4020.

PAGE 4

On October 12, 2017, AID hosted the Annual Benefit Auction at the scenic Fishermen’s Inn in Elburn. Hundreds of items and vacations were available for bidding during the live and silent auctions with all proceeds benefitting over 6,500 children and adults who receive AID services.

The most notable moment of the evening arrived when AID client Marvin spoke to a captive audience about how AID employment and psychiatric support has significantly improved his life. “The employment services at AID helped me tremendously with job hunting, résumé preparation and interview skills,” said Marvin. “I continue to use AID psychiatric services to further improve myself.”

The next AID Auction will be on October 11th.Additional details will be posted at AIDcares.org.

AID Hosts Successful Annual Benefit Auction

WITH EVERY AMAZON.COM PURCHASE!SUPPORT AID

YOU SHOP

AID SMILES!

- Visit smile.amazon.com

- Sign-in or create an amazon.com account

- Search and select Association for Individual Development as your supported charity

Quick & Easy Set-Up! AID will receive 0.5% of all AmazonSmile purchases!

Bookmark and always visit smile.amazon.com

(instead of amazon.com)

PAGE 5

AID Relishes Another Successful #ILGIVE “Giving Tuesday”An incredible $53,174 was raised for AID on #ILGIVE “Giving Tuesday” (November 28, 2017) thanks to 230 individual donors.

In 2012, a New York non-profit created “Giving Tuesday” to bolster communities and spur online giving following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. To help leverage social media and create a statewide giving movement in Illinois, #ILGIVE was created for the first Tuesday in December.

#ILGIVE “Giving Tuesday” donations were matched by the Coleman Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation and Dunham Fund. AID is once again amazed at the overwhelming support received. Despite reaching the original goal of $47,000 around 6:00 p.m., donations continued to pour in. So much generosity helped place AID at the #6 spot for most funds raised and #3 spot for most donors in the state of Illinois.

Aurora Township Referendum to Fund Vital Senior Developmental Disabilities ServicesThe senior population of Aurora Township grew by 27.5% from 2005 to 2015. At the same time, those 85 and older grew by 34%. The senior population is living longer and facing increasing physical and financial challenges. Community Waiting lists now exist for some services.

With state and local funding cuts, the cost of providing services exceeds the revenue available; forcing some to be eliminated. The number of households providing care to frail seniors is growing by leaps and bounds. Nearly every family has or will have experience with these problems. In the Fox Valley area, annual nursing home costs are $68,000.

On March 20, 2018, Aurora Township residents will vote on the “Aurora Township Senior Referendum” which asks for a minimal tax contribution to benefit seniors. Funding is needed to secure services for seniors so they remain well and living independently. The best and most cost efficient way to secure a solid future and excellent quality of life for seniors is to assure funding of proven high quality services. Vital funds will

support Adult Protective Services, Care Management, Transportation, Veterans Services, Developmental Disabilities Services and many more.

Santa Claus found time to visit the Keeler Center

amongst his busy schedule; much to the delight

of AID clients.

The AID Aktion Club(in partnership with the

Kiwanis Club of Elgin) “rang the bell” for the Salvation

Army Red Kettle campaign.

On August 22, Caterpillar, Inc. employees took time out

of their day to add a fresh coat of paint to an

AID Batavia group home.

In September, AID Keeler Center clients enjoyed a

gorgeous day at Blackberry Farms in Aurora thanks to several community donors.

AID Keeler Center clients look forward to Therapeutic

Dog Fridays where they pet and play with several

adorable dogs and puppies.

AID Elgin Glee Club performed Holiday hits thanks

to the guidance of Northern Illinois Special Recreation

Association (NISRA).

AID Behavioral Health staff members Samantha Adamski

& Cheryl Banasiak recently graduated from the IARFuture

Leadership Initiative.

Behavioral Health clients living at Sherman Apts.

worked together to create a tiny town to bring holiday

cheer to all the residents.

Carole Peters, Executive Director of United Way of Greater McHenry, visited AID in McHenry for a tour and photo op with staff.

AID Staff Member Receives “Shining Star” AwardSTARS Program Manager Allison Short received the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) 2017 Shining Star Award for her dedication to ensuring the success of the STARS Community Day Services Program.

STARS is a collaborative effort between AID and FVSRA and focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by helping them build life skills through active community based therapeutic recreation participation. The ultimate goal of STARS is to connect AID clients with community based jobs.

“I started working with the STARS program in August of 2016,” explained Short. “And to be recognized in this capacity by my colleagues at FVSRA is very special to me. I am proud of all the things we have accomplished with the help of FVSRA and our STARS program staff, as well as expanding our programs into four locations. Our team at STARS will continue to provide fun and engaging community day services programs for all of our participants.” In August, AID opened a fourth STARS program at Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora.

Elgin Housing Authority Partners with AID to Offer Supported Living Services ProgramThe Elgin Housing Authority and AID recently launched a Supported Living Services Program to benefit Elgin Housing Authority residents. This service assists residents who have developmental and mental health challenges by enhancing daily living skills, helping individuals access health care and securing counseling services.

“Many individuals with developmental and mental health issues have very limited incomes and find the lower rent offered through the Housing Authority a good match to their budgets,” explained Lynn O’Shea, President of AID. “Offering AID support services on site and in their apartments makes it far easier for them to secure assistance when/as needed. AID is delighted with the Elgin Housing Authority partnership arrangement. It is a win-win for all involved.”

For more information about the supported living services program, contact Dawn Guler at DGuler@AIDcares.org . PAGE 7

Beverly Borla BonineMary Trippon

Mary Ellen PavlakWanita ChevalierCorey & Sherri ClarkAdam & Juli EgglestonCharles & Nancy JewisonTom & Lynn O’SheaDorothy PatzerNorman & Laura

Salamone

Jon Craig SimmonsDavid & Mary

Anne NobleTom & Lynn O’Shea

Minnie SteinbergLarry & Marla ElsbergMarilyn Katz

HONORARIUMS1/1/17 - 6/30/17

MEMORIALS 1/1/17 - 6/30/17

GRANTS & DONATIONS1/1/17 - 6/30/17 | $50 OR MORE

Altrusa International Club

of Elgin

Lyle & Judy Anderson

Anderson Graphics Inc.

Apace Vision

Arthur J. Gallagher

& Company

Assurance Agency Ltd

Astro Auto Repair Service

Center Inc. (Aurora)

Back Atcha Apparel LLC

Lynn Baker

Benjamin AlexanderGreg & Patrice

Alexander

Stafford & Wendy Davis

Dale & Pam Nass

Brad TorrenceJayne Lambis

Minnie Steinberg (cont.) Tom & Lynn O’SheaJoy Springer

Eleanor SpringerJoy SpringerAbe Steinberg

& Candy GoldsteinTom & Lynn O’SheaMary Trippon

Helen WhiteEllen AverettMargaret DuffJill GlanzmanMark HunterJohn & Jean JohnsonPatrick & Janet KealyCynthia LawtonMichael & MarySue LloydTom & Lynn O’SheaTom & Barb PfaffRichard & Mary Treinen

Helen White (cont.) Janet WalstromPatricia WalstromThomas & Deborah

Walstrom

Chuck & Penny Cassell

Caterpillar Foundation

City of Aurora

Dale & Cosette Clegg

Mary Lou Conover

Cosmopolitan

International

Club of Elgin

Country Financial

Joanne Crawford

Lynn Curylo

Randy & Debby Dalton

Baker Creek Heirloom

Seed Company

Larry & Peggy Barry

Batavia Mothers’ Club

Angela Bateman

Johan & Carol Bayer

Beef Villa (S. Elgin)

Marion Begalka

Bennett Law Firm, LLC

William & Alyson Beucler

Bethany Lutheran Church

(Batavia)

Thomas & Sue Blakemore

Joseph & Inga Borowski

Ronald & Donna Bosh

Linda Bressler

Matthew* & Brittany Bretz

Dr. Timothy*

& Susan Brown

Susan Burge

Margaret Bussey

Jeffrey & Pat Butler

Mary Cappello

Michael & Noelle Carani

GRANTS & DONATIONS1/1/17 - 6/30/17 | $50 OR MORE

David* & Donna

De La Fuente

Andrea De Leos

Marion Dodd

Brian & Kathy Dolan

Sandy Donovan

Douglas Coleman -

Home Solutions

Robert Dore & Diana Law*

Dan Dowling

Damon & Mary* Duncan

Dundee Township

Dundee Township

Lions Club

Sandra Dunkerley

Walter & Janet Dwyer

Eby-Brown Company

Eby-Brown Foundation

EFS Foundation

Maureen Egan

Rita Ehrenberg

Elgin Community College

Elgin State Bank

Elgin Township

Carolyn Emanuel

George & Denise Engeln

Euclid Beverage

(North Aurora)

Exelon

Peter Fennell

Donald & Terrie Ferrell

First Alert

Carol FitzHenry

Patrick* & Judith Flaherty

Alan & Amy Flota

Forum Novelties

Florence Fullwood

Sylvia Garcia

Geneva 708

Mental Health

Commission

John Georgeson

John & Joanne Gerlach

Andrew & Ronda Glowaty

Delores Glynn

Melva Jo Gordon

James Gould*

& Jenna Korenstra

Grand Victoria

Foundation

GU Energy

Hanover Township

Mental Health Board

Kathy Hazelwood

Linus & Pat Heine

Mark & Sarah Heiss

Heritage Crystal Clean

Charles & Carla Herrera

Jack & Diane Hienton

John & Nichola Hilligoss

Hogan Plumbing, Inc.

Hollywood Casino (Aurora)

Peter Holmes

Kevin & Susan Hopper

Horizon Industries

Stanley & Ann Horst

Ron & Carole Hosler

David & Cathy Hoyda

Chris Huege

Hydrox Laboratories

Illinois Tool Works

Foundation

Inspired Endurance

Jarosch Bakery (Elk Grove)

Jeans & A Cute Top

(St. Charles)

Kenneth & Carol Johnson

Robert Johnson

& Candice Hadley

Mendel Jones

& Florence Fullwood

Susan Jump

Colette Jung

James & Donna Katek

Thomas & Marilyn Kees

Rakesh & Anu Khetarpal

Kiwanis Club of Elgin

Kiwanis Club of Geneva

Clifford* & Marilynn Klotz

Curtis & Angela Klotz

Sandra Knipp

Knights of Columbus

Council #12497

Knights of Columbus

Council #2191

Knights of Columbus

Council #4849

Knights of Columbus

Council #654

Knights of Columbus

Council #14795

Knights of Columbus

Council #14825

Konen Insurance

Frank & Sharon Kostel

Jeff & Janet Krahn

The Krause Family

Tom & Pat Krave

Kreativ Edge (Oswego)

Peter & Carol Krysciak

Bruce Kuehl

Susan Kuen Gregory

Lauderdale Electric

Chris & Eva Laurenzi

Esther Lebbin

Lock Laces/

Positive Distribution

LLC

William Loftus

Martha Long

Owen & Sue Lowrey

Dan* & Melissa Lundberg

Lynfred Winery (Roselle)

Magnetrol

International Inc.

Management Solutions

of Illinois Inc

Raj & Dolly Mandrelle

Michael & Margaret Mayer

McAlister’s Deli

Patrick & Mary McCloskey

Karla Mccoy

Mary McCloskey -

Francissen

Pamela McGoughy

John & Gwen McKee

McHenry County Building

Trades Council

McHenry County

Mental Health Board

Tom McTavish

John & Mary Mehaffey

Clem & Susan Mejia

Ted & Tanya* Meyers

Craig Mielke & Inez

Toledo*

Chuck* & Sheri Miles

Michael & Teresa Milewski

Millbrook United

Methodist Church

Linda Minuth

David & Karen Moore

Douglas & Christine

Morris

Fred & Wendy Mosier

Edward Murtaugh

Mystic Clothing LLC/

Alexander Del Rossa

Nageswarar & Sujini

Nagarakanti

Leon Natonek

David & Pamela

Neisendorf

Pete & Barb Nomellini

Northern Tier Energy, LLC.

NorthStar Credit Union

Robert Novack

Oberweis Foundation

Tom & Lynn O’Shea

Panther Vision

Raymond & Sherida Parks

Thomas & Joan

Patterman

Steven & Kari Pedersen

Christine Pickett

Jennifer Plotzke

& David Chiavaroli

Polar Bottle/

Product Architects

Larry Polly

John & Suzanne Potter

Margaret Prisco

Martha Prisco

Robert & Mary Pritchard

Proven Business Systems

Jim Quilico

John Rauschenberger

Mike & Lori

Rauschenberger

Steven & Betty

Rauschenberger

Rose Reid

David & Jennifer Reuland

Norm & Gina Richter

Keith & Deborah Riddell

Linda Rohr

Rotary Club of Batavia

Running On The Wall

David & Pam Schweitzer

Melvin Sebayan

Lisa See

Frederick & Nicole

Serverson

Jack & Marlene Shales

Charles & Janis Sharpless

Cecelia Silber

Cheryl & Craig Simoncelli

Bruce & Kathy Simpson

David & Suzanne Smith

Thomas & Barbara Smith

Sock Smith

Speed Laces

St. Charles Golden “K”

Kiwanis Club

Rose & Vincent Stanek

Joseph & Tracy Steffen

Abe Steinberg

& Candy Goldstein

Kris Stoneman

Sugar Grove Township

Superior Beverage

(Montgomery)

Jeanne Svob

Sally Swiss

Marcos & Melinda* Tejada

Greg & Andrea Torrence

Steven Torres

Tim & Debbie Torres

Trails Heads

Trinity Episcopal Church

Mary Trippon

Trust Company of Illinois

Norm & Shirley Turner

Turtle Fur

Robert Unger

United Way of Elgin

United Way of Fox Valley

United Way of Batavia

United Way of Greater

McHenry County

Bob & Toni* Vaughan

Perialwar & Usharani

Venkataramanujam

Frank & Lisa Vignieri

Matt & Miriam Wade-

Hicks

John & Sherry Walton

Waubonsee

Community College

Mary Webb

Brian & Katherine Webster

Jackie & Gary Weigand

Barbara Weiner

Weldstar

Philip & Debra Wenger

David & Rose White

Windy Acres Farm

Ronald & Gemma Winters

Thomas & Christine Wood

Yorkville

Congregational Church

Joe Zieske

John Zweibohmer

*Indicates Board Member

GRANTS & DONATIONS1/1/17 - 6/30/17 | $50 OR MORE

UPCOMING EVENTS

AID is seeking both entry level and experienced professionals for our growing organization.

Open full-time and part-time positions are available immediately. Help provide community-based services to individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health issues in training or group home settings.

Multiple positions are available in Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Elgin, McHenry, St. Charles and Yorkville.

View and apply for open positions at www.AIDcares.org or use our kiosk at the AID Aurora Main Office or Elgin Center.

Questions? Contact Kevin at 630. 966. 4028

BUNCO BENEFIT BASH - SATURDAY, APRIL 28 TH

ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 TH

Join us as we recognize client achievement and honor the generosity and dedication of volunteers, community supporters, and employees who helped make 2017 a success for AID. The Annual Meeting is open to the public; a complimentary light dinner is provided. Please R.S.V.P. to Wendy Bialek by May 2ND at 847.931.2294 or wbialek@AIDcares.org.

AID COLOR BURST 5K FUN RUN & ROLL - JUNE 2018 (DATE AND TIME TBA) Runners, walkers and wheelchair riders will be blasted with color in this fun-filled family event to benefit AID and our mission to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. Keep an eye on AIDcares.org for registration and volunteer opportunities!

Get ready to roll the dice and have fun at the AID Bunco Benefit Bash on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the AID Elgin Center (1135 Bowes Rd.).“Check-in” begins at 12:30pm with games starting at 1pm. Save $5 on registration by signing up early online! Visit www.AIDcares.org and click the events tab at the top of the page. Questions? Contact Wendy Bialek at 847.931.2294 or wbialek@AIDcares.org.

309 New Indian Trail CourtAurora, Illinois 60506-2494www.AIDcares.org